3 min readWhile spring is often considered the prime season for deep cleaning, summer can be just as effective—if not better—for decluttering and getting organized. By now, you've likely accumulated plenty of extra items since the start of the year, and with longer days and beautiful weather, the last thing you'll want is to spend your summer weekends stuck indoors tackling a messy home. That's why it's worth getting organized early with a few smart summer cleaning strategies.
It’s not just us who feel this way—the pros also agree. Anton Liakhov, interior designer, professional organizer, and founder of Roomtery, believes the warmer months offer the perfect opportunity to refresh your space. “It's like waking up to discover we're surrounded by items we no longer need,” Liakhov says. “That seasonal nudge gives us permission to let go and begin again for brighter, lighter living.”
Keep reading for the six things the pros recommend ditching from your home this summer. Get those donation bags ready.
Additional copy by Meghan Shouse.
Holiday Wrapping Paper
The holiday season is still far off in the distance, so use this time as an opportunity to get rid of excess wrapping paper, tissue paper, gift boxes, and bags. "We accumulate more Christmas wrap than we'll ever need," says Liakhov. Save what you will realistically use, and toss or donate the rest.
Old Outerwear
Speaking of seasonal items to sift through, Shantae Duckworth, founder of Shantaeize Your Space, says spring is the perfect time to re-evaluate the winter coats hanging in your closet. “If you didn’t reach for it this winter, you probably won’t next year either,” Duckworth says. In other words, ditch the bulk. If you're tight on space, consider using vacuum compression bags to flatten your remaining outerwear and store it flat in the attic or basement until temperatures dip again.
Warm-Weather Clothes You Don’t Wear
One of the perks of an early summer clean is streamlining your seasonal closet before the heat really settles in. According to Nick Friedman, cofounder of College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving, last year’s untouched spring or summer clothes have no place in your closet or dresser drawers. You can tackle your closet by adhering to Friedman’s golden rule: If you didn’t wear it in the past 12 months, donate it. From there, Friedman recommends curating your wardrobe “like a seasonal menu; keep only what you reach for on display and use vacuum bags or rolling under-the-bed bins to store off-season items.”
Expired and Unused Beauty Products
In addition to clothing, Friedman says that beauty cabinets also require frequent decluttering, especially ahead of the summer months when you typically favor sunscreen and skin care products over makeup. “If your sunscreen has expired, it’s not doing you any favors,” he points out. Old SPF, makeup, and/or skincare products can go, and unused or unopened items can usually be donated. “Not only does this clear up bathroom clutter,” Friedman adds, “but it also protects your health.”
Forgotten Pantry and Freezer Foods
Liakhov and Duckworth agree: Springtime is the time to clean out your pantry and freezer of any expired items, like aged spices, canned foods, and sauces. You can even take it one step further and recycle any containers that are past their prime, including cracked lids or warped bottoms.
Seasonal Sports Equipment
Winter sports aficionados, this one’s for you. Liakhov lists snowshoes, sleds, and ski helmets as equipment to evaluate before storing them away for the season. “If it's broken, hasn't been touched in years, or no longer a part of your lifestyle, let it go before it gets another dust coating,” he adds. While you're at it, give your summer gear a once-over so you can replace anything broken or faulty before it all disappears from stores.
